Lecture on Madam Walker's Business and Legacy

Early Business Environment

• 1906: Few women in business
• Notable contemporaries: Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden
• Initial challenges: Industry not taking women seriously

Business Model and Strategies

• Traveled town to town
  • Teaching in churches, parlors, and wherever possible
• Hair care product was important
  • Lack of access to such products for women at the time

Empowerment and Economic Independence

• Emphasis on empowering women
• Helping women become economically independent
• Training women to train others
  • Developing a national and international network of "Walker agents"

Impact on Women

• Transformation and economic contribution
  • Income to support churches, pay tuition, buy homes

Legacy

• Becoming a millionaire
• More significant lasting impact:
  • Empowering people
  • Using her wealth to make a community difference
  • Inspiring others to make a difference in their communities